Mythbusting Indica and Sativa Distinction
Cannabis enthusiast and student of the art of solventless extraction
The dichotomy between sativas and indicas is the most prominent division in cannabis. Promoted for decades as the best way to differentiate between various cultivars, sativa vs indica is familiar to most people who have smoked a variety of strains of cannabis.
Cannabis indica plants are generally shorter and bushier, with wider leaves, and a higher THC content than cannabis sativa plants. Cannabis sativa plants are typically taller and thinner, with narrow leaves, and they have a lower THC content. These distinctions refer to the plant biology, not to the effects that these different strains offer to consumers. Sativa and indica plants are native to different parts of the earth, which is what drives the difference in their physical attributes.
The contrast in physical characteristics are evident, but this often isn’t the focus of the sativa vs indica discussion. The effects are normally the main concern.
Indica strains are more commonly used for relaxation and sedation, while sativa strains are more commonly used for stimulation and to enhance creativity. But this is where the issue gets a little muddy.
Are these effects really an accurate and reliable way to characterize different cannabis strains?
Is This an Indica or a Sativa?
As far as the variety of effects that different cannabis strains tend to deliver to consumers, the source seems to be the unique combination of terpenes expressed by each cultivar.
Terpenes are a large and diverse class of organic compounds that are produced by many plants, including cannabis. Different cannabis strains can have different profiles of terpenes, and the specific terpenes present in a strain can influence its aroma and effects.
Some of the terpenes that are commonly attributed to indica strains include myrcene, which is responsible for the earthy, musky aroma of many indica strains, and caryophyllene, which has spicy and peppery notes. Other terpenes attributed to indica strains include limonene, which has a citrusy aroma, and linalool, which has a floral, lavender-like aroma.
These terpenes can contribute to the overall effects of a cannabis indica strain, and they are often used by breeders to create specific effects and aromas in their strains.
Some of the terpenes that are commonly attributed to cannabis sativa strains include pinene, which is responsible for the piney aroma of many sativa strains, and limonene, which has a citrusy aroma. Other terpenes attributed to sativa strains include terpinolene, which has a floral, herbal aroma, and linalool, which has a floral, lavender-like aroma.
These terpenes can contribute to the overall effects of a cannabis sativa strain, and they are often used by breeders to create specific effects and aromas in their strains.
Although certain terpenes may be associated with either indica or sativa cannabis strains, these terpenes are not produced exclusively by one or the other. They can be found in both.
And because of all the intensive breeding that's taken place over the past several decades, most cultivars are actually hybrids anyways, or a mixture of both indica and sativa genetics. This crossbreeding has led to virtually all familiar cultivars being hybrids. In this environment of interbred genetics, the lines between indica and sativa are blurry to say the least.
So Why Does the Indica vs Sativa Classification Continue?
Sativa vs indica is still used because it’s a useful convention, as a way to differentiate a stimulating and energizing strain from a more sedative and sleep-inducing one. It’s a shortcut, an easy nomenclature to help people navigate the variety of cannabis strains and quickly decide if this strain or that strain will deliver the effect they're looking for.
However, this method of classification is flawed, and now with the advent of molecular testing, it’s clear that sativa vs indica is a false dichotomy.
As of yet, there’s not a better system in place to help people differentiate between different strains of cannabis, and figure out which strains they might prefer.
It’s important to keep in mind that the effects of different cannabis strains can vary widely and may be affected by a variety of factors, including the specific genetics which yield specific terpene profiles and overall cannabinoid content. Other factors include the method of consumption, and the individual characteristics of the person using it.
It’s best to try different strains and see which works best for your individual needs and preferences.
Conclusion
The sativa vs indica myth has been around for a long time, and it’s likely not going away anytime soon. Although it’s misleading in some respects, it does work at a very basic level. That is, it can help people describe a specific strain delivering an “up” or a “down” effect.
Especially in the world of aggressive breeding with an incredibly diverse gene pool, the line between sativa and indica is non-existent. It’s all based on the terpene profile, coupled with the cannabinoid content.
What do you think is a better way to classify cannabis strains? Let us know in the comments!
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How can you tell what is an indica strain?
Cannabis indica plants are generally shorter and bushier, with wider leaves, and a higher THC content than cannabis sativa plants. These distinctions refer to the plant biology, not to the effects that these different strains offer to consumers.
How can you tell what is an sativa strain?
Cannabis sativa plants are typically taller and thinner, with narrow leaves, and they have a lower THC content. These distinctions refer to the plant biology, not to the effects that these different strains offer to consumers.
Is sativa vs indica a myth?
The sativa vs indica dichotomy is not accurate, because the effect that any given cannabis strain will produce is not based on whether it looks like a sativa or indica variety. Rather, it has to do with overall cannabinoid content and the specific terpene profile that a strain produces. Also, most strains today are hybrids of sativa and indica varieties.
What is better, sativa or indica?
One is not better than the other. In fact, the sativa vs indica dichotomy is misleading. It’s best to try different strains and see which works best for your individual needs and preferences.
What causes the different effects from different cannabis strains?
The effects of different cannabis strains can vary widely and may be affected by a variety of factors, including the specific genetics which yield specific terpene profiles and overall cannabinoid content. Other factors include the method of consumption, and the individual characteristics of the person using it.
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